Greg Oden Ready for Action Print E-mail
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Written by Phil Partington   
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Greg Oden Ready for Action


There’s been so much buzz over rookies Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose that so many seem to forget that the 2007 number one overall draft pick, Greg Oden, will also be a rookie this season. After missing the 2007-2008 season to injury, Oden’s rehabilitation is officially over. Though he’s not yet in playing shape, he still has plenty of time to be ready for next season and one has to imagine that he’s itching to make every moment count.

Fans who think Oden will turn the NBA inside-out and be an immediate All Star should back up a bit. Oden’s going to have to pace himself. He’s certainly gifted, but he still has much to learn and is still growing into his size and abilities.  

For the beginning stages of his career, Oden will rely on his defensive timing on the block as his main staple. With a capable offensive weapon in the paint in LaMarcus Aldridge, Oden should shoot for a more moderate scoring average than the 20 points per game some are pegging him to collect. If Oden is able to score 10 ppg, grab around 10 rbpg and block about 2 shots per game, that would be a huge boost for the Blazers and should be considered a productive year for Oden. Unfortunately, that output may not be good enough for some. Those folks may be putting Oden on too high a pedestal.   

The Blazers should be much improved, not only with the addition of Oden, but also with the additions of rookie Jerryd Bayless, who tore up summer league with his perimeter scoring, and Rudy Fernandez, and intense two-guard from Spain who reminds some of a poor man’s Manu Ginobili.

With Brandon Roy leading the squad and an assortment of athletic forwards and guards to throw in the mix, Portland should be able to make a push for the playoffs in a tough Western Conference.  Meanwhile, Oden will be vying for 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year with Beasley, Rose, Mayo and others from the 2008 NBA Draft.



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Comments (3)add
Typo
written by J-Hern , August 21, 2008
"and intense two-guard from Spain who reminds some of a poor man’s Manu Ginobili."

I think you mean "an intense two-guard"?

..just sayin..
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written by eddiebaby , August 29, 2008
"and intense two-guard from Spain who reminds some of a poor man’s Manu Ginobili." I think this is a little unfair. I know its the way its done, to compare one international player to another, But really, did anyone see the dunk he pulled over D Howard in the Olympic Final?

This guy has a ton of potential which due to B Roy's injury should be on display early on.

Also expect more than a few technicals as he has a real mean streak.
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Manu
written by Phil Partington , September 30, 2008
I'm not sure why it's an unfair comparison. He has been compared to Ginobili after all. I hear what you mean about just comparing a European to another European, but I don't think Manu's a bad comparison at all. Have you seen HIM dunk on big men!? Manu's a stud!
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